The pervasive issue of plastic water bottles has become an undeniable environmental concern in recent years. With millions of single-use plastic bottles being produced and discarded daily – one million every minute, in fact – the long-term consequences on ecosystems and human health are alarming.
Landfills are overwhelmed with non-biodegradable plastic waste, most of which can take up to 500 years to decompose, and oceans are becoming increasingly polluted, causing harm to marine life and contributing to the growing problem of microplastics in the food chain.
This over-reliance on plastic water bottles is not only an ecological crisis but also a potential public health concern due to the harmful chemicals in plastics. Many plastic bottles contain chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight.
BPA has been linked to various health issues, including increased risks of certain types of cancer, hormonal imbalances, reproductive health concerns, and developmental issues in children. Similarly, phthalates are known to interfere with the endocrine system and can lead to numerous health problems, such as liver and kidney damage, asthma, and reproductive issues.
As plastic bottles degrade over time, they break down into microplastics which can enter the food chain. These tiny particles can be ingested by marine life, eventually making their way back to humans through the consumption of contaminated seafood. It is now estimated that we consume a credit cards worth of microplastics every week.
It is more crucial than ever for individuals and industries to find sustainable alternatives to mitigate the lasting impact of plastic water bottle pollution.
Sprudel Solutions
Founded in the UAE in 2014, Sprudel is a forward-thinking water company focused on sustainability and reducing plastic waste offering plastic-free water bottling and purifying solutions.
In the UAE, the average resident consumes around 450 plastic water bottles per year, making the nation the world’s fourth-highest consumer of single-use plastic bottles, according to ecomena.org.
Sprudel uses innovative technologies and an extensive distribution network, to deliver pure water directly to homes, offices, and restaurants. So far, they have eliminated the use of 35 million plastic bottles across renowned hospitality brands such as Emaar, Zabeel House, Address, Rove Hotels and many more.
The Ethicalist sat down with founder Shawn Green to find out a little more about the company’s mission and what’s in the pipeline for the planet-friendly water company.
TE: What inspired you to start Sprudel?
SG: ‘The UAE’s reliance on single-use plastic water bottles! I spent the better part of a decade travelling to Germany, returning back home to the UAE about four times a year. Each time I returned, I could see the uptick in single-use plastic bottle numbers. Concern wasn’t enough. I needed to do something. So I used my first-hand knowledge of dispensing technology in Germany to introduce a sustainable solution in the UAE.’
‘During a blind taste test between our Sprudel water and other brands, participants said that the water tasted different but couldn’t put their finger on why. The water analytics showed that what they were actually recognising was the absence of plastic in the taste’
Shawn Green, founder Sprudel
TE: Sprudel’s mission is to reduce plastic use, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in achieving this goal?
‘When it comes to big changes, a mindset shift is usually the stickiest challenge. I’m on a mission to change the “tap water is bad, bottled water is good” mindset in the UAE. Earning trust is a key part of this. During a blind taste test between our Sprudel water and other brands, participants said that the water tasted different but couldn’t put their finger on why. The water analytics showed that what they were actually recognising was the absence of plastic in the taste. Dubai residents had become so accustomed to the taste of plastic that they couldn’t put their finger on it. Realisations like this, followed by positive change, are my goals.’
TE: Sprudel plans to offer at least 2 new products a year, designed and manufactured locally. Can you provide some details?
Now that we’ve got a range of indoor water solutions, outdoor is next on the list. We’re looking at how we develop outdoor water supply, to make Sprudel more accessible, while also reducing public plastic consumption on a wider scale.
TE: Sprudel has successfully eliminated around 35 million plastic bottles a year with its client-base of 120+ companies. Could you share some strategies that have contributed to this significant impact?
Like any new product, there are essential steps to follow. Starting off with an excellent product that meets an important need is step one. Being aware of similar solutions that are on the market is important too. Sprudel’s products are known for being safe and reliable, offering a distinct solution that’s proving to be quite unique in the market. These steps combined set you up to make a significant impact, bringing buy-in from corporations. For there to be an impact that truly lasts, big companies need to participate.
TE: If Sprudel were to collaborate with a famous celebrity or fictional character, who would it be and why?
Professor Brian Cox. A British physicist, he’s considered the unofficial “face of science” in the UK. I love how professor Cox humanises massive scientific theories for the average person. The clarity with which he communicates, allowing people to grasp complex theories, is an amazing talent to have. We aim to do the same at Sprudel – humanising the problem of single-use plastic, backed by solid data that people can relate to.
Then the buy-in is almost automatic.
